by Kara Wexler   I’ll let all of you in on a little secret: I didn’t always make it through Saturday morning services in its entirety. When my father used to bring me to synagogue every week growing up, I somehow always managed to escape the service and play catch in the back room of

by Sierra Weiss   A few weeks ago, I decided to be screened using JScreen’s easy to use, at-home saliva test. In the interest of ensuring the healthiest life possible for my future children, I’m taking the plunge and digging deeper into my genetic makeup. JScreen’s comprehensive screening will help me discover whether or not

by Sierra Weiss   My name is Sierra and I am a freshman at Emory University, originally from Boston, MA. Although I am only 18 years old and not planning on having children any time in the near future, I have decided to be screened to learn more about my genetic makeup and to discover whether

Everyone wants to feel like they are unique and special in this world. People with rare diseases are no exception. But when you have a rare disorder, it is also especially nice not to feel alone. Enter Rare Disease Day, which is celebrated around the world on the last day of February each year. The

by Sierra Weiss   The emotions associated with the word ‘disability’ have evolved considerably over the past century. It’s also a less controversial topic among popular culture. From the newly released ‘The Theory of Everything’, about a world-renowned physicist and mathematician afflicted with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. From the award-winning

by Amanda Satsky The quest for a mate is not typically a quick fix, ask-and-you-shall-receive sort of adventure. There’s no ‘choose your own ending’ safety net. In fact, it has the potential to be a veritable obstacle course of social standards, trial and error, perfect timing, first impressions, and understanding what it is you actually

by Rachel Cohen   Heart-shaped candy, dinner and a movie, and endless displays of love are a hot topic for the month of February. While exchanging cards and over-sized teddy bears might be the classic way to show love, we think 2015 is the year for innovation! Here are 5 unique ways to show affection

Warren Buffet once said, “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” It’s not a new concept that humans and trees are very similar in, pardon the pun, nature. In fact, the Torah (Old Testament) has compared man to a tree of the field. I find this

A warm hello and welcome to our new JScreen blog! First, I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am Co-Director of JScreen and oversee national outreach initiatives for the program. I am an instructor and mentor for the Masters in Genetic Counseling Program at Emory University. I am involved in the Jewish community. But most